Disney and OpenAI sign landmark deal… and we saw it coming! | E2223

December 12, 2025

AI Summary

5 min read

🎙️ The Speakers & Context

This episode features a discussion among Jason Calacanis, Alex Wilhelm, and Lon Harris, focusing on the implications of OpenAI's partnership with Disney. The conversation delves into the complexities of intellectual property (IP) in the AI landscape. The tone is analytical, exploring the intersection of technology, business strategy, and legal frameworks in a rapidly evolving market.

🎣 The Executive Hook

The "One Big Idea": The partnership between OpenAI and Disney represents a pivotal moment in the commercialization of intellectual property (IP) within the AI sector, setting a precedent for future collaborations. This deal not only secures a billion-dollar investment for OpenAI but also formalizes how AI companies interact with IP holders, creating a new framework for licensing and content usage.

Why It Matters: As AI technologies continue to permeate various sectors, the challenge of IP protection becomes increasingly critical. This partnership highlights the necessity for companies to engage in formal agreements to mitigate litigation risks and establish clear commercial pathways.

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What you'll learn

1 `(00:00)` **🎙️ Introduction: OpenAI and Disney Partnership**
2 `(00:02)` **OpenAI's IP Concerns with Sora**
3 `(00:09)` **Disney's Investment in OpenAI**
4 `(00:12)` **Implications of the Deal**
5 `(00:14)` **Formalizing Collaboration Processes**
6 `(00:26)` **Legal Precedents Set by the Deal**
7 `(01:02)` **Initial Predictions on Licensing**

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

This Week In Startups is made possible by:

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Today’s show:

FINALLY, you can hang out with Kylo Ren and Olaf the Snowman… thanks to the magic of AI.

On TWiST, we’re digging into the mega OpenAI-Disney deal. Mickey is giving Sam Altman a $1 billion investment AND will allow is copyrighted characters to appear in Sora and ChatGPT images.

Of course, Jason predicted this would happen WAY BACK during the summer months and even showed off his “Darth Calacanis” creation on the “All-In Podcast.”

PLUS Amazon has been launching and pulling AI features from Prime Video… what gives? Jason’s predictions on the coming AI blowback and who’s on what side. Why he’s so focused on Education, Health Care, and Housing as issues. AND why founders should always take calls from Big Companies, even if it might just be a fishing expedition.

It’s a new Friday TWiST! Check it out!

Timestamps:

(00:00) Lon joins Alex and Jason to talk about the big Disney-OpenAI deal bringing Disney characters to Sora

(03:10) Jason totally called the Disney-OpenAI stuff on All-In

(9:42) LinkedIn Ads: Start converting your B2B audience into high quality leads today. Launch your first campaign and get $250 FREE when you spend at least $250. Go to http://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups to claim your credit.

(18:59) DevStats - DevStats integrates your dev work and your business goals into a shared language that everyone can understand. Get 20% off, plus access to their dedicated Slack channel. Just go to https://www.devstats.com/twist.

(20:15) Why Amazon Prime Video pulled its AI recaps and anime dubs

(24:44) Who gets to set the rules around AI: The Debate Continues

(26:13) Jason’s predictions on the AI blowback coming in 2026… with clips!

(30:11) Crusoe Cloud: Crusoe is the AI factory company. Reliable infrastructure and expert support. Visit https://crusoe.ai/build to reserve your capacity for the latest GPUs today.

(31:21) Is AI here to help people or replace them?

(35:55) It’s all about EHH: Education, Health Care, Housing

(40:47) How all of this and MORE will be impacted directly by AI automation

(45:35) Why Alex wants to lower the temperature around AI Doomerism

(51:19) JUST FOR FOUNDERS: When should you take a call from a Bi